While it’s too early to tell what the fate of Yasser Abu Shabab will be, he’s certainly worth paying close attention to
Amit Segal: A quick recap: As I wrote on Wednesday, Shabab, who is leading an anti-Hamas Gazan militia, called on Gazans to return to eastern Rafah, where he said tents, food and medicine await them.
He is also working with Israel and the GHF to distribute aid in the southern strip—and is being armed by Israel.
This morning, the Center for Peace Communications published a message from Shabab. I’ll highlight its key points, but first: What do we know about him?
- Shabab, a 32-year-old Bedouin from Rafah, is part of the large Abu Shabab clan, which in turn is part of the Tarabin tribe—one of the largest in Gaza.
- Hamas previously imprisoned him for alleged criminal activity, with Palestinian sources telling Ynet that Shabab’s criminal record “includes allegations of theft and drug trafficking.” He is believed to have escaped from a Hamas prison thanks to Israeli airstrikes during this war.
- According to Shabab, Hamas killed his brother in November 2024, as part of a raid that left over 20 dead.
- Shabab calls his militia the Popular Forces.
Ok, and what did he tell the CPC?
These following statements stood out:
- His goal is “to protect Palestinian human rights from Hamas’ terrorism,” and Hamas “has attacked our positions several times and killed about 25 people.”
- “Hundreds of families” are moving to the area under his control to receive humanitarian aid.
- He has not and will not work with “the occupation” (a reference to Israel) nor does he have any relationship with other states. Any reports to the contrary are “rumors that aim to tarnish our reputation.”
- His group vets Gazans coming into their area “through the Palestinian intelligence service... so we can guarantee that no terrorist elements enter and try to ruin this attempt at liberation from Hamas rule.”
- Their weapons were “inherited from the Tarabin tribe,” and they are funded “through individual efforts and donations”—contradicting claims that Israel is arming them.
- His militia’s relationship with the Palestinian Authority is in Palestinians’ interests.
So, how will this all end? It’s too soon to tell, but it’s worth noting that Shabab’s idea of “success” may differ drastically from Israel’s.
And don’t forget: If there’s one thing the Arab world has taught Israel over the years, it’s this: Placing all of our hopes on one individual is an act of folly.
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